Micro-businesses, those with fewer than ten employees, are a critical element of the economy, making up over 90% of all registered businesses in Scotland.
Micro-businesses, those with fewer than ten employees, are a critical element of the economy, making up over 90% of all registered businesses in Scotland. Like other businesses, micro-businesses consume resources, generate wastes and have an impact on the environment. Whilst an individual micro-business will have only a limited impact, considered as a whole, Scottish micro-businesses have a vitally important role to play as we transition to become a zero waste society with a low-carbon economy.
Overcoming unique challenges
Whilst many larger businesses and organisations may have dedicated environmental managers or Green Teams, few micro-businesses have such luxuries. They face unique challenges in terms of reducing resource use and managing waste. These barriers can be summarised as:
Lack of time, skills, investment and awareness of the potential benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling.
Low volume of waste - the majority of micro-businesses generate modest amounts of waste, often of a similar scale and content to normal household waste. There is however, great potential for businesses to share waste services and facilities to help save them money and achieve better services, particularly in commercial areas or industrial estates.
Lack of space for waste storage - taking action to minimise waste could help to resolve this for some businesses. The storage of food waste in small quantities is also an issue and will become increasingly important.
Regulatory issues regarding the movement and management of waste when considering shared collection facilities.
Getting help
To help microbusinesses overcome these challenges, Zero Waste Scotland has produced a number of fact sheets full of good advice and top tips. Click on the links below to download these fact sheets.
